Japan buys missiles capable of striking North Korea in preparation for WW3

The country has snapped up medium-range, air-launched cruise missiles from the US – its longest-range weapons yet.

Japan is boosting its military arsenal as the nuclear threat from tyrant Kim Jong-un grows.

Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera said: “We are planning to introduce the JSM (Joint Strike Missile) that will be mounted on the F-35A (stealth fighter) as ‘stand-off’ missiles that can be fired beyond the range of enemy threats.”

Its military will also mount JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles) on its F-15 jets.

GETTY

ARSENAL: Japan has purchased medium-range, air-launched cruise missiles from the US

The REAL North Korea exposed in pictures: Are they ready for WW3?

There are strict limitations on foreign media visiting the secret state

1 / 15

AFP/Getty Images

A woman and child struggle with a cart loaded with wood along a road near Kilij

The JSM has a range of 310 miles while the JASSM-ER can hit targets 620 miles away – putting North Korea just in range.

Japan’s missiles have previously been limited to anti-aircraft and anti-ship munitions, with ranges of less than 186 miles.

The country adopted a near-pacifist policy after World War 2 and was restricted from having offensive military forces.

However, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has since considered revising the constitution as North Korea continues with its reckless missile tests.

GETTY

EQUIPPED: Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera said they will be mounted on fighter jets

North Korea release Hwasong-15 missile launch footage

The Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile is capable of reaching the US mainland and UK